Festival Venues


#1 Arnolfini
This converted tea warehouse on Bristol’s harbourside is one of Europe’s leading centres for the contemporary arts and a regular co-presenter of some Mayfest shows. The dramatic venue is also one of the very best places to enjoy an outdoor pint on those sunny May days, allowing you to conveniently enjoy Search Party’s open-air performance of Save Me.
0117 917 2300/01
16 Narrow Quay, BS1 4QA
arnolfini.org.uk
#2 The Brewery
The Tobacco Factory’s sister venue will be two years old this summer; a converted garage that holds dance studio, a brewery, a bakery and a very intimate theatre space that’s brimming with character.
0117 902 0344
291 North Street, BS3 1JU
tobaccofactorytheatre.com
#3 Bridewell Island
Artspace Lifespace are an enterprising collective of artists, circus performers, carpenters and musicians who are currently occupying this vast, sprawling former police station slap bang in the centre of town. Together they know how to throw one almighty party.
0117 929 7534
Silver Street, BS1 2PY
artspacelifespace.com
#4 Bristol Old Vic
The Theatre Royal and Paintshop may be out of bounds inside the Bristol Old Vic during the theatre’s makeover but Mayfest is taking over everywhere else. There are an abundance of shows in the Studio as well as a handful in the Basement, a space which late at night will also transform into The Blind Tiger, Mayfest’s very own festival speakeasy. Expect live music, cabaret, liquor until the very early hours and many impromptu performances (slots will be available for sign up on the night). Anything can happen in here, and it probably will.
0117 987 7877
King Street, BS1 4ED
bristololdvic.org.uk
#5 Circomedia
This stunning converted church on Portland Square is home Bristol’s local and the UK’s largest circus school and is also used as an adaptable theatre space throughout the year.
0117 924 7615
Portland Square, BS2 8SJ
circomedia.com
#6 Colston Hall
You can’t miss Bristol’s biggest and brightest music venue simply because of its sparkling gold-clad exterior. This year is Mayfest’s first collaboration with Colston Hall’s alternative classical music series, Elektrostatic, which will see a performance from Bristol’s Peter Swaffer-Reynolds.
0117 922 3686
13 Colston Street, BS1 5AR
colstonhall.org
#7 The Cube
This unique volunteer-run cinema and arts venue in Stokes Croft has been a Bristol landmark for the last 10 years and opens its doors this Mayfest for Dan Canham’s 30 Cecil Street.
0117 907 4190
4 Princess Row, BS2 8NQ
cubecinema.com
#8 Hamilton House
Hamilton House is the epicentre of Bristol’s cultural quarter, Stokes Croft. Its multiple floors and rooms are full of studios, offices and artist workshops, generating a hub of local creativity, enterprise and innovation. Its ground floor also hosts the always lively Canteen café/bar and an event space that at Mayfest will show Igor Corvette’s Dirty Little Secret.
0117 924 9599
80 Stokes Croft, BS1 3QY
coexist.hamiltonhouse.org
#9 The Milk Bar
The Milk Bar is a new studio space in the centre of Bristol. Operated and inhabited by Residence and Simon Games, The Milk Bar is a lively and unique performance space that will play host to The People Want Toast during Mayest.
11 St Nicholas Street, BS1 1UE
residence.org.uk
#10 The Mayfest Café @ The Parlour
Open throughout the day, this unique and quirky shop front opposite College Green will be the home of Mayfest between the 5th and 15th May. A one-stop-shop for all you queries, up-to-the-minute information, reviews, gossip and even a chance to share tea and cake with the Mayfest team and artists. We’ll be selling tickets, running impromptu competitions and we’ve even got the odd performance including It’s Like He’s Knocking by Leo Kay. Pop in and say hi.
31 College Green, BS1 5TB
#11 Spike Island
Spike Island’s light, cathedral-like exhibition space is the location for a round-table discussion on whether theatre makers and artists can affect change as part of Mayfest’s Artist Breakfasts.
0117 929 2266
133 Cumberland Road, BS1 6UX
spikeisland.org.uk
#12 Tobacco Factory Theatre
A dynamic, innovative and popular studio theatre located in the heart of Southville, the Tobacco Factory Theatre presents a packed and varied programme of theatre and other events throughout the year and is one of Mayfest’s primary venues.
0117 902 0344
Raleigh Road, BS3 1TF
tobaccofactorytheatre.com
#13 Watershed
A real hub for Bristol media events, this superb independent cinema always has something excellent on and this May is no different as it hosts Duncan Speakman’s and Émilie Grenier’s work-in-progress, We Are Forests.
0117 927 5100
1 Canon’s Road, BS1 5TX
watershed.co.uk
#14 St Paul’s Church
A beautiful little church beside the river in Southville, St Paul’ Church has had a drama club attached to it for over 60 years and the St Paul’s Players still put on a production inside every autumn. The church is also a venue for the annual Southbank Bristol Arts Trail and during May, will have its crypts open to host The Ice Book performances.
5 Southville Road, Bristol, BS3 1
bedminsterchurches.net